What to Expect

We provide a comprehensive array of services related to evaluation, rehabilitation and prevention of hearing impairment. Find out more information by clicking through our website or get in touch with us and we would be glad to help you with any questions you may have.

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FAQs

What are the different types of hearing loss?

There are three different types of hearing loss.

1. Conductive hearing loss
This is caused by injury to, or problems with, the bones, eardrum and membranes, which carry sound from the external ear through the middle ear to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can sometimes be medically or surgically corrected.

Examples of conditions that may cause a conductive hearing loss include :

Conditions associated with middle ear pathology such as

Fluid in the middle ear from colds,

Allergies (serous otitis media),

Poor eustachian tube function,

Ear infection (otitis media),

Perforated eardrum, and benigntumors

Impacted earwax (cerumen)

Infection in the ear canal (external otitis)

Presence of a foreign body

Absence or malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear

2. Sensorineural hearing loss
Also known as nerve deafness occurs when the bones, eardrum and membranes are intact but the inner ear (cochlea) deteriorates as the result of causes that can include the aging process or degeneration of nerves (retrocochlear) leading from the inner ear to the brain.

Examples of conditions that may cause a sensorineural hearing loss include :

Diseases

Birth injury

Drugs that are toxic to the auditory system

Genetic syndromes

Noise exposure

Viruses

Head Trauma

Tumors

3. Mixed hearing loss
This is when there are elements from both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This occurs when there is damage or disturbance to the outer or middle ear and damage to the inner ear.

What are the causes of hearing loss?

Millions of people of all ages suffer from hearing loss. It is a physical, not a mental health problem that can develop at any time. Most often, it is gradual and painless. People may not realize for several years that this problem is affecting them because it develops so slowly that at first it may be barely noticeable. It can inhibit people’s ability to experience the sounds and voices around them, which affects their own lives and the lives of those around them.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Because hearing loss is gradual, you may not be aware of its extent until someone else brings it to your attention. It may be difficult to accept this news, but it is important to realize that recognizing a hearing loss is the first step toward improving the quality of your life.

Often, higher pitched sounds, such as women and children’s voices or birds singing are the first sounds that begin to “disappear.” Then the person may notice symptoms including:

Difficulty hearing in public gatherings such as concert halls, theaters, or houses of worship where sound sources are far away

Difficulty hearing television and/or the telephone

Difficulty understanding conversation in group settings

Misinterpreting what others say

Hearing noise ok, but not being able to understand speech; people seem to be “mumbling” when they are speaking.

Hearing difficulties can be a source of embarrassment. Adults who experience them usually develop a variety of ways of coping in difficult listening situations, such as:

Constantly asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder

Turning the head to one side while listening to sounds or speaker

Turning up the TV, radio or stereo volume to a level that disturbs others

Avoiding social gatherings such as at restaurants or parties where background noise makes it difficult to understand conversation

How do I test for hearing loss?

In testing for hearing loss, we will administer a painless, quick and safe test that checks your ability to recognize tones and everyday words at different volume levels. The data produces a unique hearing pattern that is recorded on a chart called an audiogram. The data from your audiogram helps us to determine whether you might benefit from hearing aids or whether medical treatment is indicated.

Hearing loss is especially prevalent in older people. If you are over age 50, consider a yearly hearing test as an important part of your physical check-up. Call Hearsmart on 1300 787 792 to book a consultation.

The following questions will help you determine if you, or a loved one, should have a hearing test performed by a Hearing Health Care Professional. Just answer YES or NO to each question, then review the information that follows when finished. Remember, detection of a hearing problem is the first step to improving your hearing health.